From One Week of Giving to a Year of Recovery

As we begin ticking off Christmas shopping lists and searching for the perfect gifts for family and friends, many of us are thinking about how we can make the season meaningful for others too. 

For survivors of modern slavery and exploitation, the most life-changing gifts are often those that cannot be placed under a tree: safety, stability and the support needed to rebuild a life after trauma.  

But at a time when many people are struggling with rising costs and public debate is increasingly shaped by hostile narratives around immigration, it can be easy for survivors' experiences to be overlooked. 

That's why opportunities like the Big Give Christmas Challenge are so important. For one week only, donations are matched by funding partners, meaning every pound given can have twice the impact for survivors rebuilding their lives after exploitation. 

Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we raised over £12,000 in just one week, which is enough to fund a full year of support for seven survivors. 

Emily's Story

Emily was just like every other young child living in the UK. She attended school, had a GP, lived with her foster parents and was regularly visited by social workers – all of whom failed to identify that she was tricked, controlled, tortured and sexually exploited at just 13.  

For the next six years, she would be trapped in this nightmare undetected.   

"Through this crime, everything was taken from me - my control, my dignity, my future, my voice. I became hidden. I was a statistic, a number within the figure of "potential victims of trafficking within the UK".  

“I spent years accepting that what my life had become couldn’t, and wouldn’t, ever change. It was impossible for me to speak out, and nobody around me took any notice of the signs right in front of them.  

“However, I was extremely lucky. All it took was one police officer not to dismiss the signs. Having a support worker, counsellor and supportive community [at Snowdrop] has changed my life drastically. Because of Snowdrop's knowledge and training, I have been able to grow in independence, confidence and strength, and I now have the ability to make choices for the future I have back.  

"Long-term support is crucial for any survivor's recovery. Without it, you may as well not have been rescued at all."  

*name and details changed to protect identity 

A Chance to Double Your Impact

From 1 to 8 December, Snowdrop will once again take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, a week-long campaign where every eligible donation is doubled by matched funding partners.

This year, we're hoping to raise £15,000, enough to support nearly 10 survivors for an entire year.

If last year's campaign showed us anything, it's what can happen when a community comes together around a shared belief: that every survivor deserves the opportunity to move forward with their life.

This Christmas, will you help us reach £15,000 and support even more survivors on their journey to recovery?